An impressive final serious gallop at Canterbury on Monday has reinforced David Hayes' conviction that Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising is even more formidable than the champion who demolished Australia's leading sprinters last year, with the nine-time Gr1 winner preparing to defend his crown in Saturday's $20 million Gr1 TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick. Seeking an extraordinary 22nd consecutive victory, the world's highest-rated racehorse has responded positively to his Australian preparation, shedding approximately 4.5kg since his relatively subdued second placing in a Randwick barrier trial last Tuesday and producing his strongest workout since arriving in Sydney. According to the South China Morning Post, Hayes described the gelding as 10% better than last year following a sustained gallop in which he completed a lengthy warm-up before accelerating from the 600m and travelling strongly through the Canterbury straight. The trainer reported an unofficial sectional of approximately 36.5 seconds, but was particularly encouraged by the horse's recovery following the effort, regarding that aspect as a significant indication of his improving fitness. Although Ka Ying Rising's Randwick trial raised questions among some observers, Hayes believes the outing served its intended purpose by sharpening a horse who had not faced a serious competitive examination for five weeks. Champion jockey Zac Purton had expressed reservations about the gelding's effectiveness on genuinely rain-affected Australian surfaces following the trial, particularly with showers forecast throughout the week, but Hayes remains confident that his exceptional sprinter can handle whatever conditions materialise. The trainer explained that differences between Hong Kong and Australian turf surfaces could influence how the horse travels, noting that Hong Kong tracks generally feature tighter grass and that Ka Ying Rising possesses a low, efficient galloping action. Hayes also recalled watching the gelding perform impressively in an Australian trial on heavy ground before purchasing him, an experience that continues to inform his confidence in the champion's versatility. The barrier draw, scheduled for Tuesday evening, is another factor that causes the trainer little concern, given Ka Ying Rising's proven ability to win from inside, middle and outside gates throughout his remarkable career. Nevertheless, a favourable inside draw would provide an obvious tactical advantage against a high-class field assembled specifically to challenge his supremacy. Hayes believes the champion's extraordinary consistency and capacity to accelerate under pressure make him exceptionally difficult to defeat, although the presence of outstanding Australian rivals ensures that the contest remains one of the most compelling international sprinting confrontations of the year. With 21 successive victories already secured and nine triumphs at the elite level, Ka Ying Rising stands on the threshold of further racing history, while his trainer's latest assessment suggests that the gelding responsible for last year's spectacular Everest performance may have returned to Australia an even more complete athlete.
Ka Ying Rising appears to have more to give (pic: supplied)
NEWHong Kong Buyers Lead Gold Coast 2YO Demand
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
International buying interest provided a significant boost to Monday's Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale, where a precocious Showtime colt attracted the day's highest bid of $400,000 and helped generate turnover exceeding $6.1 million despite a smaller catalogue than last year. Offered by Victoria's Nolen Racing as Lot 127, the colt out of Mileyva had produced the fastest breeze-up performance ahead of the auction, covering his 200m gallop in exactly 10 seconds on the Gold Coast course proper last month, an effort that attracted considerable attention from prospective purchasers. According to magicmillions.com.au, Apollo Ng secured the youngster through Bridle Bloodstock for Hong Kong interests, expressing confidence in his athleticism and comparing his action favourably with promising Mark Newnham-trained sprinter Crimson Flash. The colt will initially undergo further education at Muskoka Farm, including barrier practice, jump-outs and trials, before connections determine his future racing programme. The result highlighted the appeal of well-prepared two-year-olds to Asian buyers, with four additional youngsters changing hands for at least $250,000. Kenmore Lodge enjoyed an especially productive afternoon, selling an Admire Mars colt out of Lucky Helmet, a brother to Planet Red, for $320,000 to China's Linsheng Zhang, while a Stronger colt from Urban Jewel realised $280,000 to Magic Millions' China representative Amy Feng. Kellie Bond expressed delight with the reception afforded the Kenmore Lodge horses, emphasising the rewards available to vendors presenting quality youngsters at the auction. Zhang also purchased a Kingman colt out of French Dispatch for $280,000 from the Newington Farm Premium Consignment, while leading trainer Ciaron Maher secured a Russian Revolution colt from Don'ttelltheboss, a half-brother to The Machine Gun, for $250,000 through his bloodstock operation. Nolen Racing also presented that youngster, completing a successful sale for the Victorian consignor. Across the auction, 83 two-year-olds sold for an aggregate $6,149,500, achieving an average of $74,090 and a median of $50,000, with the clearance rate reaching 72%. Those figures compared favourably with last year's average of $73,351, median of $39,000 and clearance rate of 68%, although total turnover declined from $6,895,000 as the number of horses sold fell from 94. Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch described a healthy market for quality horses, noting participation from buyers representing China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and the Philippines, alongside domestic purchasers. While the top price fell short of last year's $550,000, the improvement in average, median and clearance rate reinforced the underlying strength of demand for suitable racing prospects. With 161 lots catalogued and 45 withdrawn, the auction again demonstrated the international appeal of Australia's breeze-up sale sector, particularly among buyers seeking young horses with demonstrated athletic ability and the potential for relatively immediate racetrack returns.
NEWPrima Park 2YOs Impress At Te Rapa Breeze Ups
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
An encouraging combination of consistent times, favourable track conditions and impressive juvenile performances marked the opening day of New Zealand Bloodstock's 2026 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups at Te Rapa on Monday, with 191 two-year-olds completing their preliminary gallops ahead of one of the Southern Hemisphere's most important sales of unraced thoroughbred prospects. Conducted under generally settled conditions, the opening session produced an average 200m breeze-up time of 10.75 seconds, providing buyers with a valuable opportunity to assess the athleticism, action and potential of the youngsters preparing for November's two-day auction at Karaka. According to nzb.co.nz, the morning began under overcast skies before conditions improved throughout the afternoon, with wind gusts reaching a modest 4.1km/h and relatively little variation in the circumstances confronting individual runners. That consistency was particularly welcomed by vendors and prospective purchasers, given the importance of obtaining reliable comparisons between juveniles breezing at different stages of the programme. Among the operations enjoying an especially productive opening day was Prima Park, whose principal Kelly Van Dyk expressed considerable satisfaction with the preparation and performances of the stable's draft following months of demanding winter work. Two members of the consignment, Lots 35 and 206, attracted particular attention for their speed, with Van Dyk acknowledging that recording the fastest time was a welcome reward for the considerable effort invested in their development. Both youngsters had already earned a favourable opinion within the operation, and their performances provided an encouraging indication that they were progressing appropriately towards the sales ring. Van Dyk also praised the organisation of the breeze ups and the favourable conditions provided by New Zealand Bloodstock, noting that the smooth running of the opening session had contributed significantly to the outcome. NZB Director of Business Development Mike Kneebone, who travelled to New Zealand to observe the juveniles, was equally encouraged by the standard of horses presented, highlighting the consistency of both their recorded times and physical types. The breeze ups form a critical part of the assessment process for international and domestic purchasers, allowing potential buyers to evaluate young horses under controlled conditions before undertaking further pedigree, veterinary and conformation examinations. The second day was scheduled to commence at 9.30am on Tuesday, with members of the public welcome to attend Te Rapa and observe the remaining juveniles completing their gallops. Official individual times, accompanied by track and weather information, are being published on NZB's website, while footage of the performances is scheduled for release by Friday, October 16. Additional television coverage through Trackside in New Zealand and racing.com in Australia will further extend the international reach of the sale, which takes place at Karaka on November 18 and 19.
It's Official: Everest Protagonists are Locked in
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
A spectacular confrontation between the world's highest-rated racehorse and Australia's finest sprinters awaits at Royal Randwick on Saturday, with the final field confirmed for the $20 million Gr1 TAB Everest (1200m), the richest race on turf and the centrepiece of a Sydney racing programme offering more than $31 million in prizemoney. Defending champion Ka Ying Rising returns from Hong Kong seeking successive victories in the prestigious sprint, with trainer David Hayes and champion jockey Zac Purton aiming to repeat their outstanding achievement of 2025 against a formidable collection of established stars and emerging talent. According to racingnsw.com.au, the tenth running of The Everest on October 17 will attract an anticipated modern-day record crowd of 52,000, with general admission tickets already sold out, providing another indication of the remarkable growth of an event first staged in 2017. Among the challengers attempting to dethrone Ka Ying Rising are former Everest winner Giga Kick, representing Coolmore for trainer Clayton Douglas and jockey Dylan Gibbons, and the powerful Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar, who will carry the TAB slot with Nash Rawiller aboard. Chris Waller is represented by two outstanding contenders, Angel Capital, partnered by Ben Melham for Yulong Investments, and JolieStar, who will race in the stable's own slot under James McDonald. Other established prospects include Matthew Smith's Headwall, partnered by Kerrin McEvoy, and Bjorn Baker's Caballus, who will be ridden by Tim Clark for James Harron Bloodstock. The younger generation is also strongly represented, with Brad Widdup's Savvy Hallie securing the Mulberry Racing slot for Zac Lloyd, while Maher's talented filly Tempted will represent Godolphin under Chad Schofield. Toby Edmonds saddles Spicy Martini for Inglis with Taylor Marshall engaged, Michael Freedman's Ninja will carry Fairway Thoroughbreds' colours under Tommy Berry, and Baker has a second representative in Blue Door, who will be ridden by Jamie Melham for Newgate/GPI-RACING. Racing NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer Graeme Hinton acknowledged the vision of Peter V'landys in establishing a race designed to introduce a new generation to thoroughbred racing, observing that the concept has grown into one of Sydney's most significant sporting occasions. The supporting programme is equally compelling, highlighted by the $5 million Gr1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m), where Autumn Glow and Pride Of Jenni are set to confront dual defending champion Ceolwulf, while the $2 million Kosciuszko provides country-trained gallopers with an opportunity to compete on racing's biggest stage. The Everest barrier draw will take place at Sydney's Luna Park on Tuesday evening, October 13, with live coverage scheduled from 8pm, before Saturday's raceday is broadcast nationally on Channel 7 and Sky Racing. With Hong Kong's extraordinary champion confronting a powerful Australian challenge, the stage is set for another memorable chapter in the evolution of The Everest.
A crowd of over 50,000 is expected on Saturday (pic: austadiums.com)
VRC Returns to Profit with $5.4M Turnaround
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
A remarkable financial recovery has placed the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) on a considerably stronger footing ahead of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with the Flemington-based organisation reporting a $5.4 million net profit for the 2025-26 financial year and substantially reducing its debt following several years of significant financial pressure. According to thestraight.com.au, the result represents a $12.6 million improvement on the previous year's $7.2 million loss and marks the club's first annual profit since 2020, ending a difficult period during which accumulated losses reached approximately $78 million. The turnaround has been accompanied by record earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $23.9 million, while total debt has fallen from $67.5 million to $52 million, including $10 million owed to Racing Victoria. The substantial improvement reflects a combination of commercial growth, stronger Melbourne Cup Carnival attendances, improved operational efficiency and tighter expenditure controls introduced under chief executive Kylie Rogers, who assumed the role in 2024. The club has undertaken significant organisational restructuring, including redundancies and changes to its executive leadership, while strengthening commercial partnerships and reviewing hospitality and beverage arrangements. A major component of the recovery has been the VRC's revised media rights arrangements, including its six-year agreement with Nine Entertainment, reportedly worth approximately $100 million, alongside its partnership with Tabcorp. The club's financial challenges intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted racing attendances and hospitality revenue shortly after the completion of Flemington's $128 million Club Stand, leaving the organisation carrying substantial debt while its traditional income streams were under pressure. The improved financial position also provides a significant backdrop to the forthcoming leadership transition, with chairman Neil Wilson preparing to step down at the December annual general meeting after 14 years with the organisation, including service as chief executive and chairman. Wilson has indicated that the restoration of financial stability was an important consideration in his decision to depart, with experienced racing administrator Vin Cox appointed as his successor. The appointment has attracted attention amid reports of a contested board selection process, particularly with four positions on the club's 11-member board subject to election at December's meeting. Nevertheless, the club's commercial recovery provides an encouraging foundation for its next chapter, with membership exceeding 36,000 and the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival attracting more than 286,000 racegoers, its strongest attendance since 2018. With Flemington preparing to host another internationally significant Melbourne Cup Carnival, the VRC's return to profitability represents a major achievement in its efforts to restore financial sustainability while maintaining its position among the world's leading racing clubs.
Exceedance's Value Shines Brightly Again
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
Vinery Stud's exciting young stallion Exceedance continues to strengthen his credentials as one of Australia's most commercially attractive emerging sires, with unbeaten filly Chuchichaschtli providing another important advertisement for his growing influence following her latest Stakes success at Rosehill. The talented three-year-old, trained by Michael Freedman, made it two victories from as many starts with an impressive performance over 1400m, demonstrating both tactical versatility and the ability to handle a rise in distance against stronger opposition. Her rider was particularly pleased with the way the race unfolded, explaining that the intention had been to settle outside Plagiarism before allowing the filly to find her rhythm, with Freedman keen to establish whether she could perform effectively over the longer journey. Having passed that examination with considerable authority, Chuchichaschtli has already accumulated close to $350,000 in prizemoney, providing an outstanding early return for connections and enhancing the reputation of the Vinery graduate. Her pedigree offers further encouragement, being the second foal to race from the New Zealand mare Interstellar, a half-sister to Gr1 New Zealand Oaks winner Savaria, whose staying credentials provide an attractive complement to Exceedance's exceptional sprinting ability. Chuchichaschtli becomes the seventh individual Stakes winner for Exceedance, whose current season has already produced 27 individual winners, while promising juvenile filly She's Supreme has also made an encouraging beginning, winning a trial before finishing third on debut in the Gr3 Gimcrack Stakes. According to vinery.com.au, the stallion's comparative statistics are particularly compelling among members of the 2020 intake still standing in Australia, with Exceedance ranking fourth for individual Stakes performers on 14, behind only Too Darn Hot (36), Alabama Express (16) and Super Seth (15). Those three stallions command service fees ranging from $66,000 to $275,000, while Exceedance stands at just $22,000, presenting breeders with a significant difference in cost. His record also places him ahead of established contemporaries including Zousain, Cosmic Force, Pierata, Castelvecchio, Brutal and Tassort. On individual Stakes winners, Exceedance's tally of seven places him equal third alongside Alabama Express, standing at $66,000, and Castelvecchio, at $60,500, with only Too Darn Hot (18) and Super Seth (10) ahead of the trio. With his largest crop preparing to enter the yearling sales market, Exceedance offers breeders a persuasive combination of proven Stakes production, commercial accessibility and scope for further improvement. Chuchichaschtli's unbeaten start provides another timely reminder of the value available through the Vinery stallion, whose early achievements compare favourably with considerably more epensive members of his generation.
Streamlined Signals Bigger Things for Peters
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
A remarkable sequence of victories for Bob and Sandra Peters continued at Ascot on Saturday when promising Maurice gelding Streamlined produced an eye-catching performance to complete the middle leg of a winning treble for the prominent Western Australian owners, whose familiar cerise and white silks have become synonymous with success at the highest level. According to tbwa.net.au, the Peters Investments operation has enjoyed an outstanding start to October, beginning with Just Sublime's victory in the Goldfields before Cosmic Crusader captured the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington and Royal Law secured the Listed Kalgoorlie Cup. Further success followed when Treasured Legacy, a son of Ole Kirk, justified odds-on favouritism at Bunbury on Wednesday, setting the scene for Saturday's Ascot treble courtesy of Abissi, Streamlined and Truly Loyal. The performance of Streamlined in the Drummond Golf Handicap (1600m) was particularly encouraging, with the son of Japanese champion Maurice overcoming a substantial deficit before unleashing an impressive finishing burst under Chris Parnham. Settled at the rear of the field approaching the 1200m mark, Streamlined appeared to face a difficult assignment before Parnham elected to improve his position around the outside of the field, covering considerable additional ground as the gelding swept six and seven-wide approaching the home turn. Despite the demanding passage, Streamlined accelerated strongly to challenge inside the final 200m before drawing clear to defeat I'm Nipote by two lengths, with Vexatious Rose filling third. Parnham attributed the improved performance partly to the addition of a Norton Bit and tongue tie, explaining that the gelding had previously been inclined to race keenly and lacked confidence under pressure. "He put them away like a nice horse today and will probably be more suited running down better horses in better company," the jockey observed, suggesting that Streamlined possesses the ability to progress through the grades as his racing manners continue to improve. Bred on the successful Maurice cross, Streamlined is out of Gr2 Lee-Steere Stakes winner Silverstream, whose unraced three-year-old daughter Silverlake, also by Maurice, recently finished second in a Lark Hill barrier trial behind stablemate Arcadia Park. Silverstream also has a yearling filly by Maurice and a filly foal by Pride Of Dubai, providing further opportunities for the family to flourish. Meanwhile, Peters Investments will turn its attention towards Saturday's $5 million Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), where Cosmic Crusader, another son of Maurice, is a pronounced $4.50 favourite following his Turnbull Stakes triumph. Peters expressed confidence that the gelding would handle the additional distance, citing the strength of his finishing effort at Flemington. Victory would carry particular significance for the family, whose ambition to capture the Caulfield Cup stretches back to 1988, when their outstanding stallion Congressman was narrowly defeated by Imposera in one of the race's most memorable finishes.
Could Darkness Falls Potentially Emulate Nijinsky
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
Aidan O'Brien's pursuit of racing's most elusive three-year-old achievement has received a significant boost following the outstanding performance of Darkness Falls in Saturday's Gr1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes (1400m) at Newmarket, where the unbeaten-in-Group-1-company colt defeated highly regarded Godolphin representative Desert Castle to establish himself among Europe's most exciting Classic prospects. According to sportinglife.com, the son of Camelot demonstrated an impressive combination of speed, stamina and determination under Ryan Moore, overcoming a reduction in distance from his previous Gr1 Golden Fleece Stakes victory at Leopardstown to secure his second elite-level success. Sent out at $2.50 against the Charlie Appleby-trained Desert Castle, who started favourite at approximately $1.91 following an impressive victory in the Gr2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, Darkness Falls raced prominently throughout the seven-furlong contest before Moore committed him approaching the final 400m. Desert Castle, partnered by William Buick, emerged as the principal challenger and steadily reduced the deficit, but Darkness Falls responded courageously to maintain his advantage and score by a neck, with stablemate Great Barrier Reef finishing another two and a quarter lengths behind in third. The victory provided O'Brien with a record ninth Dewhurst Stakes success and immediately prompted discussion of a potential assault on the English Triple Crown, comprising the Gr1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, Gr1 Derby at Epsom and Gr1 St Leger at Doncaster. No horse has completed the celebrated treble since Nijinsky achieved the feat in 1970, although Darkness Falls possesses a particularly compelling pedigree for the assignment. His sire Camelot won both the 2000 Guineas and Derby in 2012 before narrowly failing to complete the Triple Crown when defeated by Encke in the St Leger, leaving connections tantalisingly close to a historic achievement. Darkness Falls has already demonstrated considerable versatility, having won the Golden Fleece over 1800m before successfully dropping back to 1400m at Newmarket, suggesting he possesses the necessary speed for the Guineas alongside the stamina required for longer Classic distances. Moore was enthusiastic about the colt's prospects, indicating that his performance confirmed the ability to compete effectively over shorter distances while leaving considerable scope for further development. The victory also strengthened O'Brien's position in the British trainers' championship, with the Ballydoyle operation continuing to produce outstanding results across Europe's principal juvenile contests. Darkness Falls now heads into the European winter as a leading contender for both the 2000 Guineas and Derby, with bookmakers quoting approximately $4 for either Classic and offering considerably longer odds about a complete Triple Crown sweep. Whether he can ultimately emulate Nijinsky remains uncertain, but his commanding emergence has revived one of thoroughbred racing's most romantic ambitions.
BC Classic Defence Appears on Target
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
Japan's outstanding dirt champion Forever Young has taken another important step towards defending his Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic crown, completing a sharp workout at Belmont Park on Sunday as trainer Yoshito Yahagi prepares the internationally acclaimed five-year-old for his latest American assignment. According to horseracingnation.com, the son of former Arrowfield Stud shuttler Real Steel breezed 800m in 51.8 seconds over the main track, marking his first official timed workout since capturing the $1 million Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup on September 18. With assistant trainer Yuki Araki aboard, Forever Young commenced his exercise at 6.45am, recording sectional times of 13.8 seconds and 38 seconds before completing a stronger piece of work than originally anticipated. Araki explained that an unfavourable weather forecast prompted the stable to increase the intensity of the exercise, although the horse responded comfortably and displayed the acceleration that has made him one of the world's most formidable dirt performers. The preparation represents a significant departure from last year's campaign, when Forever Young won the Nippon TV Hai at Funabashi in Japan before travelling to Del Mar and securing the Breeders' Cup Classic. This season, Yahagi has adopted a more extensive American programme, with the entire arriving in New York on September 7 ahead of his successful Jockey Club Gold Cup appearance, which followed his second placing in the Gr1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March. Araki has utilised several different training surfaces at Belmont Park, including the Tapeta pony track, dirt training track and inner Tapeta circuit, to maintain the champion's fitness and enthusiasm while gradually increasing his workload. Forever Young is scheduled to complete another workout at Belmont next Sunday before travelling to Kentucky on October 20, where his final preparations for the October 31 championship at Keeneland will include an anticipated exercise with regular jockey Ryusei Sakai. Stablemate American Stage, who is being prepared for the Breeders' Cup Sprint, could accompany him in that final serious workout, replicating a successful arrangement employed at Del Mar last year. Owned by Susumu Fujita, Forever Young has assembled an extraordinary international record of 12 victories, one second and three thirds from 16 appearances across ten racetracks in four countries, accumulating more than $32.3 million in earnings. His achievements include consecutive victories in the $20 million Gr1 Saudi Cup in 2025 and 2026, alongside the 2024 Tokyo Daishoten and an unbeaten six-start record in Japan. With his latest American preparation progressing smoothly, the Japanese superstar remains firmly on course for another defining performance on racing's international stage.
Group 1 Trifecta Adds to Arrowfield Celebrations
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
An extraordinary sequence of spring performances has reinforced Arrowfield Stud's influence on Australian racing, with the Hunter Valley breeding powerhouse celebrating a remarkable trifecta in Saturday's $1 million Gr1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield, headed by champion Snitzel mare Lady Shenandoah. According to arrowfield.com.au, the Chris Waller-trained five-year-old produced a performance of exceptional determination under James McDonald, carrying 58kg to defeat Changing Colours, a daughter of The Autumn Sun, and Welcometotheshow, whose sire Showtime is a son of Snitzel. The result provided Lady Shenandoah with her fourth Group 1 victory, extended Snitzel's remarkable record to 38 individual elite-level winners and delivered the champion stallion his second consecutive Toorak Handicap following Transatlantic's success in 2025. Lady Shenandoah also became the first mare to capture the prestigious handicap since More Joyous achieved the feat in 2010, coincidentally carrying the same weight. McDonald was required to demonstrate considerable patience and precision aboard the Arrowfield-bred mare, eventually guiding her through a narrow opening between runners before she accelerated decisively to claim the honours. Purchased for $525,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Hermitage Thoroughbreds in conjunction with Waller and bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster, Lady Shenandoah has now accumulated approximately $5 million in prizemoney and belongs to an exceptional Arrowfield yearling generation that also produced Group 1 winners Lazzura, Private Life and Switzerland. Her dam Star Pupil has a yearling colt by Snitzel and recently delivered another colt by The Autumn Sun, further strengthening the family's commercial significance. Earlier on the Caulfield programme, The Autumn Sun celebrated his 13th individual stakes winner when Surfin' Bird captured the Gr3 Ladies Day Vase (1600m) for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The five-year-old mare, whose six victories and $665,000 in earnings have been achieved from just 11 appearances, had advertised her potential with a fourth placing behind Lazzura in the Gr2 Golden Pendant at Rosehill. Bred by Makybe Racing & Breeding, Surfin' Bird was purchased for $280,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and is closely related to champion juvenile Farnan. Arrowfield's successful afternoon also included an encouraging performance from Dundeel colt Call Me Coach, who finished third behind Warwoven in the $3 million Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). Purchased for $440,000 by Dean Hawthorne for Pinecliff Racing, Call Me Coach became Dundeel's 28th Group 1 performer and could now progress towards the Gr1 Victoria Derby on October 31. With Arrowfield sires and graduates responsible for 11 Group and Listed victories, including three at Group 1 level, during the preceding 15 days, the stud's exceptional spring continues to demonstrate the enduring strength of its breeding programme.
Waitak Claims Fifth Group 1 Crown in Epic Clash
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
Two outstanding New Zealand gallopers have produced another memorable chapter in their developing rivalry, with seasoned champion Waitak overcoming a difficult passage to defeat Tuxedo in Saturday's Gr1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings, securing the fifth Group 1 victory of his distinguished career. Just a fortnight after the pair fought out a thrilling finish to the Gr1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m), where Waitak prevailed by a short half-head, their latest confrontation provided another compelling demonstration of determination, class and competitive courage. According to racingnews.co.nz, the seven-year-old son of Proisir appeared to face an almost impossible assignment when Tuxedo established a commanding advantage approaching the final stages, only for Waitak to produce a sustained finishing burst that carried him past his younger adversary inside the final 50m. Partnered by Craig Grylls, Waitak was slowly away and initially settled midfield against the rail as Hi Yo Sass Bomb assumed an unexpected pacemaking role ahead of Shaking Stevens. Meanwhile, Tuxedo enjoyed a comparatively comfortable passage under Opie Bosson, travelling approximately two lengths ahead of his principal rival before accelerating into contention approaching the home turn. Grylls elected to bring Waitak away from the inside and into clear running, but the decision required the gelding to cover additional ground while Tuxedo surged to the lead shortly after straightening. With the younger horse seemingly poised to reverse their previous result, Waitak responded magnificently to his rider's urgings, producing several powerful strides to overhaul Tuxedo and eventually establish a winning margin of one length. Outsider Who Knows finished strongly to claim third, although the principal honours again belonged to the two protagonists whose contrasting racing styles have provided such compelling entertainment throughout the Hastings spring carnival. Grylls acknowledged that his winning ride had been far from conventional, explaining that the crowded conditions prompted him to seek clear running rather than risk becoming trapped behind tiring horses. Co-trainer Andrew Scott, who prepares Waitak in partnership with Lance O'Sullivan, was understandably delighted with another exceptional performance from a galloper whose durability and competitive spirit have become defining characteristics of his career. The victory also completed a memorable afternoon for Grylls, who earlier partnered War Princess to victory in the Gr3 Timberspan Spring Sprint (1400m). Bred by the late Colin Devine and raced by his widow Jill, Waitak is out of the Shocking mare Repo Bay and has now accumulated ten victories and 11 placings from 41 starts, with earnings reaching NZ$2,343,237. His fifth elite-level success further enhances an outstanding record and confirms his position among New Zealand's most accomplished contemporary weight-for-age performers, while Tuxedo's courageous second suggests their rivalry may yet have further chapters to unfold.
King Eyes Historic Cox Plate Breakthrough
Tuesday, 13th October 2026
A remarkable chapter in Australian racing history could unfold at Flemington on October 24, with accomplished Sydney jockey Rachel King emerging as a genuine contender to become the first woman to win the prestigious Gr1 Cox Plate following her landmark victory aboard Warwoven in Saturday's $3 million Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). According to the Sydney Morning Herald, King's outstanding performance aboard the Bjorn Baker-trained colt made her the first female jockey to capture the Caulfield Guineas, adding another significant achievement to a career that began in Australia when the English-born rider arrived on a working holiday in 2014. The 36-year-old has subsequently established herself among the country's leading jockeys, developing a particularly successful association with Baker, whose confidence in Warwoven has been vindicated by the colt's emergence as a serious contender for Australia's weight-for-age championship. Sent out a well-supported favourite at Caulfield, Warwoven produced an impressive performance under a patient King ride, with the jockey resisting the temptation to make her move prematurely before setting out after fellow Cox Plate aspirant Blind Raise approaching the home turn. The victory propelled Warwoven into third favouritism at $5 for the $6 million Cox Plate, where he will attempt to become the first three-year-old to win the celebrated contest in 13 years. King, who has accumulated ten Group 1 victories without yet capturing one of Australia's traditional major races, believes the son of Sword Of State and Needle And Thread has further improvement to offer. "I don't think he has peaked. I think there's still more there," King declared. "I've certainly never sat on a horse like this, and he's pretty unbelievable." Her opportunity to create history follows two other groundbreaking achievements by female jockeys, with Michelle Payne becoming the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince Of Penzance in 2015, while Jamie Melham completed a remarkable Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double aboard Half Yours in 2025. Baker's stable representative Luke Hilton praised King's composure and judgement, acknowledging the considerable work involved in preparing for such an important assignment and the challenges confronting professional jockeys throughout their careers. Hilton also reinforced Baker's longstanding belief that Warwoven possesses exceptional ability, describing the colt as one of those rare talents capable of achieving something extraordinary. Meanwhile, the Cox Plate picture became considerably more intriguing when $71 outsider Land Legend caused a major upset in Saturday's $1 million Gr1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m), defeating odds-on favourite Sheza Alibi by a nose while also accounting for Birdman, whose ownership includes former AFL stars Chris Judd and Sam Docherty. With Flemington hosting the Cox Plate for the first time, King's pursuit of another historic breakthrough adds a compelling human dimension to an already fascinating championship contest.
